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Scottish Charity Register No. SC043760

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February 01 2025
© John Sheehy © John Sheehy

A short story on love and loss, by Sophie Dianne

It had been raining since they said goodbye. Lying down opposite the mirror, she sees herself on the other side. Much younger and unblemished by the loss of married life. Losing herself, she catches sight of him, sneaking up on the woman she once was. Initially startled, she starts to laugh and falls into his embrace.

Theirs was a love comprised of mutual respect and understanding, they shared an intimacy that was like no other. Each touch gave her goose bumps, she wanted him close, his skin on hers, kissing her gently.

No relationship was perfect, but they felt secure knowing their marriage was built on a solid foundation. In his arms, she was home, without him, she felt sick. The house was lonely now, who knew the hospital would become his final home? Gone was his pain, but the initial peace within her had dwindled. Of all the things she wanted to be, a widow wasn’t on the list. Bereft, who was she?

Without sleep, solace came in a bottle. She noticed the cork screw was missing, if he were there, he’d have responded with a sarcastic comment, each disagreement matching the tennis they used to play. Back and forth. For a split second, things felt normal.

Still looking for the cork screw, she rummaged through the kitchen draws, but the only thing she found was an unpaid mortgage bill and an invoice from the care home. Was she really facing homelessness at 75?

  • If you are interested in creative writing, journalism or art, why not get in touch with the editor? editor@thepavement.org.uk
< Life's sweet Trans and homeless >
February – March 2025 : Time

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